Ecology News: New Ecology report- Evaluation of Fish Hatcheries as Sources of PCBs to the Spokane River

The report, Evaluation of Fish Hatcheries as Sources of PCBs to the Spokane River, is now available at https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/1803014.html 

Sections of the Spokane River, Little Spokane River, and Lake Spokane are currently listed as impaired for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. To address the problem, the Spokane River Regional Toxics Task Force has been working with local entities to determine PCB sources and implement strategies to reduce PCBs in the system. One of the data gaps identified was the contribution of fish hatcheries to PCBs in the Spokane River via wastewater discharges and fish stocking. Previous studies have shown that hatchery fish can contain PCBs. 

The Department of Ecology undertook a screening-level study to evaluate hatchery contributions of PCBs to the Spokane River. The primary study objectives were to (1) characterize PCB concentrations in hatchery discharges and hatchery-raised rainbow trout and (2) estimate PCB loads from hatchery operations to the Spokane River. In 2016, we sampled discharges from the Spokane Hatchery and collected fish from the two hatcheries that stock trout to the river (Spokane Hatchery and a private hatchery in the town of Soap Lake). Water, whole fish tissue, fish feed, and sediment samples were analyzed for the 209 PCB congeners. 

PCBs were detected in all samples. PCB concentrations in hatchery discharges ranged from 147–219 pg/L. In feed samples, PCB concentrations ranged from 3.9–31.5 ug/kg. PCB concentrations in fish caught from Lake Spokane four months after their release were higher (20.5–28.7 ug/kg) than in pre-released fish (4.0–11.3 ug/kg), suggesting that most of the PCB body burden in post-released fish was accumulated after being released into the environment. The mean PCB load from hatchery operations was estimated to be 7.8 mg/day, most of which was represented by discharges from the Spokane Hatchery. 

If you have questions, contact Siana Wong at 360-407-6432 or swon461@ecy.wa.gov.

 

Draft Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Spokane and Troutlodge Fish Hatchery PCB Evaluation available for Review and Comment

Task Force members are asked to review and comment on the  draft Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Spokane and Troutlodge Fish Hatchery PCB Evaluation put together by Michael Friese of Ecology’s Environmental Assessment Program.

–  Spokane and Troutlodge Hatchery PCB Evaluation 2.10.2016QAPP 

Please send comments and suggestions to Michael Friese (MIFR461@ecy.wa.gov) using track changes no later than C.O.B on Monday, February 22.
Abstract:
The Spokane River Toxics Task force has been identifying sources of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to the Spokane River with the goal of reducing PCB inputs to the Spokane River. Previous studies have identified PCB contamination in fish raised in hatcheries. Several studies have correlated PCB concentrations in fish tissue to concentrations in hatchery feed. This proposed study will investigate PCB concentrations in hatchery fish from Troutlodge, a facility in Soap Lake, WA, and the Spokane fish hatchery, located on the Little Spokane River. Both of these facilities raise fish to be planted into the Spokane River. In addition, effluent from the Spokane fish hatchery will be evaluated for PCBs. PCB concentrations will also be measured in settleable solids and fish food from the Spokane fish hatchery. A PCB annual load contribution estimate from hatchery fish and effluent to the Spokane River will be calculated.
In order to determine concentrations of PCBs in hatchery fish being removed from the river, 2 composites of fish collected from the Spokane River will be analyzed for PCBs. An attempt will be made to collect fish from the same age class as those collected from the hatcheries.